Have you ever seen a large group of sheepfeeding in green pastures along a hillside? They might look like peaceful, docile creatures, but they can actually be a lot of work.

To get them from one pasture to another can be a challenge that requires the help of a sheepdog and a person responsible for herding the sheep. Who are we talking about? A shepherd, of course!

Shepherds have been around for thousands of years. In fact, shepherding is probably one of the oldest occupations in the world. Shepherds are discussed in the Bible and featured prominently every Christmas in nativity displays. But are there still shepherds around today?

You bet there are! Although modern farming methods and reduction in natural predators have made raising sheep easier in today's world, there are still many places in the U.S. and around the world where shepherds still roam the pastures, tending their flocks.

From the mountains of the American West to the highlands of Peru and Chile, you'll find shepherds tendingflocks of thousands of sheep. Sheep are still popular animals today, both for their meat and their wool.

In the western part of the U.S., large sheep ranches often hire workers from foreign countries to herd their sheep. It's not uncommon for Peruvian and Chilean workers to travel to the U.S. to herd thousands of sheep on open ranges that can be hundreds of miles long and wide.

While the long hours make their pay small compared even to minimumwage jobs, these workers make more than they could in their home countries. After being a shepherd for several years in the U.S., many of them return home with their money and use it to build homes, educate their children, or even start their own small businesses.

So what's it like to be a shepherd today? Although it might seem peaceful to lead obedient sheep across a green pasture, it's actually a very tough job. In addition to difficult weather, shepherds must keep a constant eye on their herds, for fear of predators, like wolves and mountain lions.

Shepherding can also be demanding physically, as work days are long and filled with exercise. In cold weather, the days seem even longer. Plus, tending thousands of sheep can be a lonely and dirty job, too.

Shepherds might travel on foot or on horseback. They can go days without seeing another human being. They often sleep in tents and have no source of running water for days at a time. Are the green pastures peaceful? Maybe, but the scenery quickly begins to pale in comparison to the demands of the job!

Did you get it?

Wonder What's Next?

What’s red and green and oh-so-sweet? Tomorrow’s Wonder of the Day, of course!

Try It Out

Don't be a sheep without a shepherd! Find a friend or family member to shepherd you through the following fun activities:

How hard is it to be a shepherd? It might be harder than you think. If you live on a farm and have sheep, you probably already know what we're talking about. To observe for yourself how difficult it can to be a shepherd, find something — or someone — to shepherd today. It could be a family pet, such as a dog or a cat, or even a younger sibling. Take responsibility for their well-being today. You're in charge and must make sure that no harm comes to them. You also need to make sure they're fed and watered. Don't let them out of your sight! At the end of the day, talk with a friend or family member about your experience. Was it easier or harder than you expected?

Think about the kinds of modern technology that could improve the life of shepherds. If you were able to use any pieces of modern technology available today to help you shepherd a large flock of sheep, what would you use? Would you keep a smartphone on you to keep in touch with loved ones when you get lonely? What about a tablet computer to stay in touch with the rest of the world? Could GPS-enabled devices help you keep track of the sheep? Consider these and other types of modern technology.

Up for a challenge? In addition to a person who tends flocks of sheep, the word “shepherd" can also be used to describe someone who guides or mentors others by giving them advice. Do you have someone in your life that is like a shepherd to you? It could be a friend, a parent, a relative, a teacher, or a pastor. Think about the people you're closest to and who you regularly turn to for advice. How many shepherds do you have in your life? Take some time today to think about how thankful you are for the guidance of these people in your life. If you feel inspired by their guidance, write a short note just to say “Thank you!" for the help they've given you in the past.

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Damien

Zara

Jun 17, 2018

Interesting. Very dope! Do you have any articles about headaches? I'm having one right now, :( Unfortunately, my teacher recommends this site. Do you have any suggestions for any more interesting articles? Please respond, thank you, Zara XD, also just a suggestion, I don't think many robots use this website, it's a little hard to always verify it. :(

madeline

Wonderopolis

Apr 12, 2013

Hey there, Wonder Friend Madeline! We predict that if a shepherd leaves his sheep, they might just run away! Being a shepherd requires a lot of responsibility. I WONDER what other jobs require a lot of responsibility? Thanks for WONDERing with us today! :)

Isabel

Wonderopolis

Apr 1, 2013

Hey Isabel, thank you for sharing your awesome comment with us! We think it's great that you've been thinking about the story of the girl in the video, and how she explained how she would help her grandmother! What an inspirational story! We hope you have a SUPER day filled with Wonder, Isabel! :)

ACT

Wonderopolis

Mar 31, 2013

We LOVE your enthusiasm, Wonder Friend ACT! It's great to learn something new about how animals are cared for, even today! We think it's great that you're imagining what your life would be as a shepherd! :)

olivia

Wonderopolis

Mar 31, 2013

Good afternoon, Wonder Friend Olivia! It sounds like you learned a LOT today! WOHOO!
We are so glad you mentioned other countries that are known for shepherds, and the 4H fairs where animals are displayed and even selected for awards! HOORAY for WONDERing-- you did a super job of sharing your connections to today's Wonder! :)

Wonderopolis

Annie

Mar 31, 2013

This wonder of the day reminds me of my grandpa's farm.
He used to have animals on his farm, sheep was one of them. There were not a lot of sheep on the farm so all he had to do was nothing! I thought you always had to herd sheep! My wonders for tomorrow.
-flowers
- valentines day related stuff to it!

Wonderopolis

Mar 31, 2013

What a cool connection, Wonder Friend Annie! We bet your grandpa's farm was an awesome place to visit, especially with a variety of animals! It sounds like he is lucky to have only a few sheep-- no need for a shepherd at his farm! :)
Thank you for sharing your awesome predictions for the next Wonder! We hope you enjoy these in the meantime (since you mentioned Valentine's Day):
Wonder #865-- Is Your Heart Shaped Like a Heart? https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/is-your-heart-shaped-like-a-heart/ :)

Kate

Wonderopolis

Mar 31, 2013

Happy Easter to you, Wonder Friend Kate! We're thrilled you are WONDERing with us about shepherds and sheep today! Have you ever seen a herd of sheep? We hope you have a SUPER day with your family and friends! :)